CALPROTECTIN IS RAISED IN ENDOGENOUS POSTERIOR UVEITIS

Calprotectin, the LI leucocyte protein, is found in large quantities i n the cytosol of granulocytes and monocytes. Plasma calprotectin level s are increased in infections, malignant tumours, vascular insults and various other pathogenic conditions. The authors have investigated pl asma calprotectin and ANCA levels in 27 patients with endogenous poste rior uveitis (EPU) and six healthy volunteers. Compared to the control values, the mean levels of plasma calprotectin were raised in patient s with active uveitis (p < 0.005 (ANOVA)). Raised serum ANCA titres, w hich are also associated with neutrophil activation, were also detecte d in some patients with EPU but the level of ANCA did not correlate wi th that of calprotectin. The authors suggest that measurement of plasm a calprotectin may be a sensitive indicator of disease activity in pat ients with endogenous posterior uveitis.